REGULATIONS FOR HEAVY WEAPONS COMBAT: KINGDOM OF ATENVELDT 02\26\89 CONVENTIONS OF COMBAT GENERAL 1. Each fighter shall maintain control over his/her temper at all times. 2. Engaging in any SCA combat activity with the deliberate intent to inflict injury on an opponent is strictly forbidden. 3. Any behavior that takes deliberate advantage of an opponent's chivalry or safety-consciousness, or that takes deliberate unfair advantage of an opponent, is prohibited. A fighter shall not strike a helpless opponent. 4. In judging the effect of blows, all fighters are presumed to be fully armored unless otherwise stated. All 'fully armored' fighters are presumed to be wearing a lightweight, short-sleeved, knee-length, riveted mail hauberk over a padded gambeson, with boiled leather arm and leg defenses and an open-faced iron helm with a nasal (the helm may be presumed to include a very light chain mail drape, permitting vision but resisting cuts by a mere touch of a bladed weapon). Under this standard, an acceptable blow to the face would be lighter than to other portions of the head or body. With the prior approval of the Kingdom Earl Marshal, the standard definition of 'fully armored' may be modified for a specific event, provided the modification is equitable and has been made known to the participants in the list in advance. 5. Blows must be delivered with sufficient force and must strike properly oriented (i.e. with the edge rather than the flat, in the case of a bladed weapon). Striking an opponent with excessive force is strictly forbidden. 6. Any loss of a helm or opening of a visor during combat immediately stops the fight and renders the combatant 'dead'. The defective helm may not be used again until it has been modified (to the satisfaction of the Marshal-in-Charge) to prevent reoccurrence. 7. Blows at the hand or wrist are forbidden. A blow to the arm, defined as starting 1" (2.5 cm) above the bend of the wrist, will disable the arm. If a hand or wrist is intentionally used to block an otherwise legal blow, the blow shall be counted as a blow to the arm. 8. Blows at or below the knee are forbidden. A blow to the leg or hip, defined as starting 1" (2.5 cm) above the top of the kneecap, will disable the leg. If a fighter lifts his/her leg so that an otherwise legal blow is caused to strike below the knee, the blow shall be counted as a blow to the leg. 9. A blow from an axe, mace, pole weapon or other mass weapon that lands on the hip above the hip socket shall be judged fatal. 10. If a wounded limb blocks an otherwise acceptable blow, the blow shall be counted as though the limb were not there. 11. A blow is not counted if the weapon was dropped due to the impact, or if the weapon breaks, unless the weapon was (clearly) broken over the person of the combatant. 12. In single combat broken weapons may only be replaced by a weapon of the same type, or by a back-up weapon, if carried. (see Rule #15). 13. Blows started before an event which would usually stop a fight (e.g. being killed, a 'hold' being called, etc.) will be counted; blows started after such an event will not be. A killing blow which starts out as part of a combination which also took out, for example, an arm is counted. A combination (also called a 'flurry') is defined as a series of blows which ends in an obvious disengagement or a 'hold'. 14. Striking a shield/weapon may cause a blow to lose sufficient that it is no longer hard enough to be counted; it is not an excuse to ignore a blow which nevertheless did land hard enough. 15. 'Anvilling' (blocking a blow with a weapon which is braced against a fighter's helm, body, or shield) would result (with real weapons) in a broken weapon. Accordingly, the marshals will warn the combatant who does this twice. Upon the third offense, the weapon will be considered to be 'broken', and will result in the loss of the weapon, which must then be replaced with either a back-up weapon (if carried) or a short sword. 16. A two-handed weapon with a grip of more than 18" (45 cm) long, or any pole weapon, shall not be swung through an arc of more than 90 degrees (i.e. no pickaxe or baseball bat swings are permitted). 17. A shield may be used to displace, deflect, or immobilize an opponent's shield or weapon. Deliberately coming into forceful contact with an opponent's head, limbs, or body with the shield is forbidden, unless the shield has been built and authorized as a weapon, and with the consent of the opponent. 18. Grabbing of the shield with the hand or kicking the shield is not allowed. This does not forbid shield hooks or presses with the shield or with a weapon. *19. CHANGED* 19. The blade of a weapon in motion may not be grasped or blocked by the hand or limbs as a means of impeding the blow. The blade of a weapon may not be grasped at any time; nor may it be trapped in contact with the fighter's body as a means of preventing the opponent's use of the weapon. Neither may the blade on a fighter's own weapon be grasped (i.e. during a block). 20. 'Circling' an opponent who is on his/her knees, except for the stated purpose of turning his/her eyes out of the sun, is forbidden. 'Circling' is defined as forcing an opponent to turn more than 180 degrees in order to remain facing you. 21. A 'hold' shall be called for a fighter on his/her knees whose torso has leaned back more than 45 degrees from the vertical. The fighter on his/her knees may, at his/her request, be allowed to lean back further with out a 'hold' being called, but the fighter must then call his/her own 'hold' should it become necessary. 22. Any fighter in single combat who obtains an unfair advantage by repeatedly losing his/her weapon or falling over (without being pushed) will be warned twice. Upon the third offense, the fighter will be held to be defeated. (The enforcement of this is the responsibility of the marshal, not the opponent. However, the opponent may ask the marshal to let the situation continue a little longer.) 23. A fighter shall not be required to relinquish an earned advantage without his/her consent (for example, give up a shield or switch weapon arms to shorten a fight, etc.). MELEE/WAR CONVENTIONS 1. An opponent must be 'engaged' from the front. Thereafter, the combatant is fair game so long as the opponent remains within weapon range. 2. When lines engage, everyone in the line is considered to be 'engaged' with (i.e. fair game for) everyone else in the opposing line within weapons reach, regardless of whether they are nominally 'in front'. 3. The dead are silent (except for safety reasons or at the instigation of a marshal). 4. If the combat has moved away, the marshals may offer dead fighters the opportunity to leave the field. 5. During 'Holds', fighters will drop (gently!) to one knee. At the end of the 'hold', everyone will be given an opportunity to stand again (if they were up before the 'hold') before combat resumes. 6. There will be no moving during 'Holds' (except for safety reasons or at the instigation of the marshal). 7. There will be no discussions during 'Holds' (except for safety reasons or at the instigation of a marshal). 8. If the scenario permits killing from behind, it shall be done by placing the weapon over the eyeslot of (or resting the haft of a pole weapon or the blade of a great sword on the shoulder of) the opponent and saying (loudly!) "You're dead, My Lord!". (Note: this phrase is intended to let the deceased know that he/she has been killed, as a courtesy to the opponent, and as a timing device. Failure to complete the phrase does not mean that the deceased need not die, nor is it a signal to try to wriggle out of it; once the opponent sees the weapon, he/she is dead!) Under no circumstances may a fighter actually be struck from behind with a weapon! 9. Immobilizing a fighter's weapon and shield simultaneously from outside his/her field of vision in such a way that he/she is incapable of defending himself/herself from a blow from another opponent in front ('chicken-winging') is unchivalrous and potentially dangerous, and a fighter so immobilized may not ordinarily be struck (a helpless opponent is not struck). He/she may, however, be held at weapon's-point and asked to yield; if this occurs, the fighter is required to yield. Should the fighter, by word or action, choose not to yield, he/she may be struck a minimal killing blow. 10. A pole weapon which is not in mid-swing (i.e. is thrusting or has stopped after hitting a shield or a fighter or has missed its target) may be grasped about the haft in order to wrest it from its user. It may not, of course, be grasped by the head or by any bladed surface. 11. Running thrusts or thrusts at a running fighter are prohibited. 12. Projectile weapons may be used in melees and/or war scenarios with the prior approval of the autocrat and the Marshal-in- Charge and the prior knowledge of the participants. Appropriate additional armor (if necessary) must be worn by the participants. ARMOR AND WEAPONS STANDARDS DEFINITIONS 1. Bars: When used in the face guard of helms, should be a minimum of 3/16" (4.5 mm) in diameter mild steel, or the equivalent. 2. Closed-cell foam: A less dense foam than resilient foam. For example, Ensolite. 3. Equivalent: Refers to the impact resistance, impact distribution, and impact absorption characteristics of the specified material, not to the physical dimensions. 4. Foam: Any open- or closed-cell foam, including foam rubber, foam neoprene, polyurethane, etc. 5. Gauge: U.S. sheet metal standard. Note that 16 gauge is officially 1/16" (.0625" or about 1.6 mm) but commercially available sheets frequently are rolled to .058" or even .055"- --- much too thin for helms. 6. Heavy leather: Stiff, oak-tanned leather, 1/8" (3 mm) or more thick. Often referred to as 'belt leather' or 8-10 oz. leather. 7. Mail: Any fabric of small metal or heavy leather components, either linked together (e.g. chain) or attached to a flexible leather backing (e.g. ring or scale). 8. Padding: Quilted or multi-layered cloth material, such as mattress pads, moving pads, carpet, felt, or equivalent. 9. Plate: Large components of rigid material (e.g. steel of no less than 18 gauge, aluminum of no less than 1/8" (3 mm) or equivalents). 10. Resilient foam: Dense, plastic closed-cell foam such as ethyl polymer. 11. Rigid material: a. Steel of not less than 18 gauge (.057")(there is a tendency for sheet steel to be rolled significantly thinner than its nominal thickness, as noted above). b. Aluminum of not less than 18 gauge. c. Other metals of sufficient thickness to give similar rigidity to those listed above. d. High-impact-resistant plastic (e.g. ABS or polyethylene) of sufficient thickness to give similar rigidity to those listed above. e. Heavy leather that has been hardened in hot wax, soaked in polyester resin (properly catalyzed), etc. f. Two layers of untreated heavy leather. 12. Steel: Cold or hot rolled mild steel or equivalent ferrous material. ARMOR True armor of mail, plate, brigandine, leather, etc. is highly encouraged because it enhances both safety on the field and the SCA goals of authenticity and practical research. A. HELMS 1. Helms shall be constructed of steel of no less than 16 gauge or equivalent material. Be aware that steel of less than .0625" (1/16" or 1.6 mm) is too thin, even if it is sold as 16 gauge. (Note also that the mass of the helm is an important part of the protection. Beware of titanium, fiberglass, or other ultralight materials.) 2. All joints or seams shall be constructed in one or more of the following ways: *Welded on the inside and outside. *Welded with a single bead that extends through both surfaces. *Lap joints welded or brazed at the edges of both pieces. *Riveted with iron or steel rivets no more than 2-1/2" (63.5 mm) apart, or with equivalent riveting techniques. Welds must be sound and rivets secure. 3. Face guards shall prevent a 1" (25.4 mm) diameter dowel from entering any facial opening. 4. The face guard shall extend at least 1" (25.4 mm) below the bottom of the chin and jawline when the head is held erect. 5. Bars used in the face guard shall be of steel of not less than 3/16" (4.5 mm) diameter, or equivalent. 6. All visors shall be attached and secured in such a way that there is minimal chance that they will become detached or come open during normal use. 7. There shall be no major internal projections; minor projections of necessary structural components shall be padded. All metal shall be free from sharp edges. Face guard bars or mesh should not attach to the interior of the helm, unless of structurally superior design and workmanship. 8. All parts of the helm that might come in contact with the wearer's head shall be padded with a minimum of 1/2" of resilient or closed-cell foam or the equivalent, or shall be suspended in such a way as to prevent injurious contact with the wearer. Similarly, parts of the helm which might come into contact with the wearer's neck or body should be padded. 9. All helms shall be equipped with a chin strap or other means of preventing the helm from being dislodged during combat. An equivalent might be, for example, a strap from helm to breastplate. A 'snug fit' is NOT an equivalent. The chin strap should be a minimum of 3/8" in width and of a sturdy material. The use of cord or leather thong as a chin strap is prohibited. 10. The use of military helmets in the construction of SCA- style fighting helms is prohibited. Those few existing helms may continue to be used until the end of their life spans. B. NECK ARMOR 1. The larynx and cervical vertebrae must be covered by a helm, and/or one or a combination of the following: *A plate gorget or a gorget of rigid material, suitably padded to minimize impact transmittal to the neck, or arranged in such a way that impact is not transmitted to the neck (e.g. connected to the breastplate). *A mail or heavy leather camail or aventail, suspended from the helm, worn over a padded coif, and extending well out onto the shoulders in such a way that it is held away from the neck. *A mail or heavy leather coif, lined with at least 1/2" of closed-cell foam, or an equivalent thickness of resilient padding. *A heavy leather strip at least 2" wide, with extensions at front and back, extending downward far enough to cover the larynx and the cervical vertebrae, and lined with at least 1/2" of closed-cell foam, worn collar fashion. Metal buckles, if used, shall be so placed that they are not in contact with the wearer, and are shielded by the helm or other armor from being struck and driven into the wearer. 2. The area of the larynx and cervical vertebrae must remain covered during typical combat situations (e.g. turning the head, lifting the chin, etc.). C. BODY ARMOR 1. The entire torso shall be protected by a padded gambeson or the equivalent. 2. The kidney area, the short ribs, and lower spine shall be covered by a minimum of heavy leather worn over 1/4" of closed-cell foam or equivalent padding. Rigid armor for the kidney area is strongly recommended. 3. For men, the groin must be covered by a hockey, soccer, karate, or baseball cup or equivalent, worn in a supporter designed to hold it. 4. For women, breast armor in the form of a single breastplate is strongly recommended. Separate breast cups are prohibited, as they can be more dangerous than no armor at all. 5. Extra padding/armor is strongly recommended for the shoulders, clavicle, and scapula when great weapons or polearms are used. *D. CHANGED* D. HAND AND WRIST ARMOR 1. The outer surfaces of the hand (including the back and base of the thumb), and the wrist must be covered by one or a combination of the following: *A metal basket hilt with enough bars or plates to prevent a blow from striking the fingers or the back of the hand. If a basket hilt is used, a vambrace and leather glove with a section of leather (8 oz. min.) must cover the back of the hand and the base of the thumb. *A gauntlet made of rigid plates, either lined with padding or foam, and designed to transfer potentially injurious force to the surface being grasped (Note that finger gauntlets in which the plates cover individual fingers but do not form an arch over the finger to transfer force to the surface being grasped are not adequate). *A gauntlet of heavy leather lined with closed-cell foam or heavy padding. Hockey or lacrosse gloves with reinforcement on the fingertips are acceptable (but minimal) protection. Note: The shield hand SHOULD be protected by some device th at protects the fingers, and thumb. (Ie a basket or heavily padded glove). Padding attached to the shield is recommended for the forearm and elbow! *E. CHANGED* E. ARM ARMOR 1. The point and bones at either side of the elbow joint must be covered by a rigid material underlain by 1/4" of resilient padding or closed-cell foam, by a shield, or by an approved equivalent. This armor shall be attached in such a way that the elbow remains covered during combat. 2. A vambrace that covers both bones in the forearm shall be worn ion any exposed forearms. Heavy leather worn over 1/4" of resilient padding or closed-cell foam is a minimum requirement. Vambraces on both forearms are strongly recommended. F. LEG ARMOR 1. The kneecap and both sides of both knee joints must be covered by rigid material lined with 1/4" of resilient padding or closed-cell foam or an approved equivalent. This armor shall be attached in such a way that the knee remains covered during combat. Steel knee cops with 'fan' or 'spade' plates projecting rearward from the outside surface of the knee joint are strongly recommended. 2. Sturdy boots or shoes that cover the entire foot must be worn on both feet. 3. A minimum of heavy padding over the thigh of the shield- side leg is strongly recommended. *G. CHANGED* G. APPEARANCE OF ARMOR 1. To promote and enhance safety and authenticity on the field, all armor should be made to appear as realistic and authentic as possible. Blatantly mundane articles should be covered up or disguised in some fashion (Hockey and lacrosse gloves are exempt from this). WEAPONS DEFINITIONS 1. Broadsword: Any single or double edged, bladed, cutting weapon, designed to be used with one hand, with or without a thrusting tip. Maximum length- 42" 2. Short sword: Any broadsword of 30" or less. 3. Bastard Sword (Hand-and-a-Half): Any broadsword designed to be used with either one or two hands. Maximum length-48" or the ground-to-middle of chest distance of the user, whichever is shorter. *4. CHANGED* 4. Great Sword: Any broadsword designed to be used with two hands. Maximum length- 7.5 ft. 5. Mace: A hafted impact weapon with a radically symmetrical heavy spiked or flagged head. 6. Axe and Warhammer: A one or two sided hafted cutting and/or smashing weapon, resembling the tool for which it is named. 7. Pole arm: A shafted cutting, smashing, and/or thrusting weapon, having or combining the characteristics of mace, axe, hammer, and spear, designed to be used with two hands. Maximum length- 7-1/2' (90"). 8. Spear: A shafted weapon, designed to be used solely for thrusting. No length restriction. A. GENERAL SWORD REQUIREMENTS 1. Swords shall be constructed of rattan and shall not be less than 1-1/4" (33 mm) in total diameter (including rattan and tape) along their entire length. 2. The edges of the blade shall be rounded and the striking surface no less than 1-1/4"(33 mm) in cross-section. 3. The tip of the blade shall be rounded. 4. The full length of the blade, including the tip, shall be wrapped with filament tape or its equivalent in such a way that no rattan splinters protrude. 5. Swords shall have a hand guard such as a basket hilt, quillions, tsuba, or equivalent. The hand guard shall have no sharp edges or protruding unpadded points. Any hand guard that extends forward past the user's gauntlet must have an edge with a cross-section of not less than 1-1/4" (33 mm). Further, it shall not be possible to force the guard more than 1/2" (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard when in use. 6. Swords may not have a handle length (including the ricasso/false quillions) greater than 1/3 the total length of the weapon, measured from the bottom of the pommel to the center point of the quillions. 7. Pommels shall be firmly and securely fastened. 8. When a thrusting tip is used, it shall be no less than 2" (51 mm) in diameter or cross-section, and shall provide at least 1-1/2" (37.5 mm) of progressively resistant 'give' under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon. Furthermore, it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2" (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard. 9. No sword may have a thrusting tip affixed to the quillions or pommel of the weapon. 10. The blade of the weapon must be clearly marked with contrasting tape. 11. A sword used single-handed shall have a wrist strap (or equivalent restraint) of such material as shall prevent the weapon from leaving the immediate vicinity of the user. 12. Laminated blades will not be allowed. A laminated blade is one which has several pieces of rattan taped, glued, or otherwise bound together--- which decreases the flexibility of the blade. B. GENERAL MASS WEAPON REQUIREMENTS 1. Hafts shall be of rattan of no less than 1-1/4" (33 mm) in diameter (including rattan and tape). 2. The haft shall be completely wrapped in tape in such a way that no rattan splinters protrude. 3. Heads may only be constructed out of foam, tape, cloth, leather, rubber, flexible plastic and rattan. No metal or other rigid material except light splints of rattan over padding may be used in constructing the head. 4. The head shall not be constructed solely of rigid materials. The head must be firmly and securely attached to the haft. The head shall allow some progressively resistant 'give' between the striking surface and the haft. 5. All striking surfaces shall be rounded, with no square corners. Rattan splints of no less than 1" (25 mm) may be attached to the padding to provide striking surfaces. All striking surfaces must be clearly marked with contrasting tape. 6. Thrusting tips shall conform to sword thrusting tip standards. 7. The head shall not be constructed in such a way that rigid materials at right angles to the shaft are fastened directly to the shaft (e.g. arms on a Lucerne hammer, blade of an axe, etc.). 8. One-handed mass weapons shall be no longer than 30" and a maximum weight of 4 lbs.. Two-handed mass weapons shall be no longer than 48" and a maximum weight of 6 lbs.. 9. One-handed mass weapons shall have a wrist strap (or equivalent restraint) of such material as shall prevent the weapon from leaving the immediate vicinity of the user. C. GENERAL POLE WEAPON REQUIREMENTS 1. The shaft shall be made of rattan of not less than 1-1/4" (33 mm), and may not be overly 'whippy'. 2. The shaft shall be wrapped with filament tape or its equivalent in the striking head and for at least 1' (12") below the head, in such a way that no rattan splinters protrude. The remainder of the shaft may be bare rattan. 3. Head construction shall be in accordance with mass weapon standards. The head shall not weigh more than 3 lbs., and the overall weight of the weapon should not be excessive. 4. All striking surfaces must be marked with contrasting tape. 5. When a thrusting tip is used, it shall be no less than 2- 1/2" (62.5 mm) in diameter or cross-section, and shall provide at least 2" (44 mm) of progressively resistant 'give' under pressure without allowing contact with the rigid tip of the weapon or folding over. Further, it shall not be possible to force the thrusting tip more than 1/2" (12.5 mm) into a legal face guard. *6. CHANGED* 6. No pole weapon may have a cutting and/or smashing head at both ends, but, a stabbing point on both ends is expressly permitted. SHIELDS 1. Shields shall be constructed of materials equivalent or superior to 1/2" (12.5 mm) plywood in terms of strength, and must not give an unfair advantage to their user. 2. Tourney shields must weigh a minimum of 2 lbs./square foot of their surface area, regardless of material (e.g. a 24" round shield must weigh at least 6.28 lbs.). War shields must weigh a minimum of 1 lb./square foot of surface area. 3. Shields shall be edged with leather, rubber hose, or other padding in such a way as to minimize damage to rattan weapons. 4. No bolts, wires,or other objects may protrude more than 3/8" (9 mm) from any part of the shield without being padded (rounded shield bosses are not included in this category. 5. If a shield is to be used as a weapon, it must meet the requirements for mass weapons, the requirements for shields, and be passed by the Earl Marshal or a warranted marshal specifically designated for this purpose. AUTHORIZATIONS Each participant in an SCA Combat Activity (Armored Combat, Period Fencing, Combat Archery, Marshalling, etc.) must be formally authorized for that particular activity and shall be issued an Authorization Card. This card must be presented to the Lists Official at an SCA event to register for participation in any combat-related activities. This card must be shown to any marshal or lists official upon request, and may be confiscated by the Marshal-in-Charge of an event for just cause (See Resolution of Grievances). The Office of the List is responsible for the issuance of Authorization Cards within Atenveldt, once the necessary paperwork (specifically an authorization form signed and dated by a duly warranted marshal, along with the appropriate waiver(s)) has been received. This office shall keep a copy of the authorization form and waiver(s) on file. This office shall provide the Earl Marshal a list of all Authorization Cards outstanding, with updates at least quarterly and an updated list yearly; additionally, the Office of the List shall provide copies of the list to local lists officers, for use at SCA events. Periodic spot-checks of these cards may be carried out to insure that the cards correspond with the official list. AUTHORIZATION PROCEDURE INITIAL AUTHORIZATION 1. The candidate presents the authorizing marshal with a signed and witnessed Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities form and a properly filled-out Authorization for SCA Combat-Related Activities form (and any other applicable waivers). Upon receiving these, the authorizing marshal shall proceed with the authorization, utilizing the guidelines listed below. 2. Should the authorizing marshal find the candidate acceptable, he/she shall annotate the authorization form accordingly and send a copy of all forms the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or the appropriate deputy) and to the candidate, and place the originals in his files (the candidate's copy will act as verification of his/her authorization until an Authorization Card is received). 3. Upon receipt of the Waiver and Authorization forms (and any other applicable waivers) the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or appropriate deputy) shall send an Authorization Card to the authorizing marshal. 4. Upon receipt of the Authorization Card, the authorizing marshal shall date and initial the applicable authorization area on the card and give it to the candidate as soon as possible. ADDITIONAL AUTHORIZATIONS When additional authorizations are achieved, the authorizing marshal will notify the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or appropriate deputy) of the additional authorization, annotate the candidate's authorization form, and date and initial the applicable area on the candidate's Authorization Card. AUTHORIZATION CRITERIA & GUIDELINES 1. FIGHTER'S AUTHORIZATION Only a warranted marshal may perform an authorization. This marshal must witness the authorization and must execute the appropriate paperwork to insure that the authorization is registered with the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or appropriate deputy). All fighter authorization will be conducted using the following criteria: *The Fighter must be familiar with the Rules of the List. *The Fighter must be safe to himself/herself and his/her opponent. *The Fighter must demonstrate adequate competence at Sword and Shield (The authorizing marshal may, for proven medical conditions or requirements of the Fighter's persona, allow a substitute weapons system. *The Fighter must agree to familiarize himself/herself with any Fighting Conventions in effect in any Kingdom in which he/she fights, or in any inter-Kingdom event. *The Fighter must have executed the Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities form prior to entering the list field. Minors (16 to 18) may authorize with these additional criteria: *The parents or guardians of the minor must witness SCA combat, discuss it with a witnessing marshal, and execute a Parent's Consent for Combat-Related Activities form. *The witnessing marshal must be a warranted marshal. *The Earl Marshal of Atenveldt or the Principality or Kingdom Regional Deputy Marshal should be the one to authorize the minor for SCA combat. In instances where this is not possible, the Earl Marshal, Principality Marshal, or Kingdom Regional Deputy Marshal may designate a representative to witness the authorization and report on it to the Earl Marshal. *At any event in which the minor is involved in SCA combat-related activities the minor must have either a parent or legal guardian present, or must be in possession of a properly-executed Medical Authorization Form for Minors, designating some adult present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment in the case of an emergency. Combat Archery Authorization: Participants involved in Light or Heavy Weapons Contact Combat Archery, in which the Archer may be struck by a Fighter, must meet these additional criteria (for Non- Contact Combat Archery, see below): *Must be fully authorized fighters, as outlined above (Light Weapons Archers and Fighters need not demonstrate adequate competence with Sword and Shield, but must do so with any weapons that they plan to use). *Must wear either SCA Heavy or Light Weapons armor, (as applicable) as outlined in the Marshal's Handbook, and as augmented by Kingdom marshalate standards. *Must meet whatever additional safety/competency requirements and conventions that are set forth by the Kingdom of Atenveldt, any Kingdom in which they participate, or any inter-Kingdom event in which they participate. 2. OTHER COMBAT-RELATED ACTIVITY AUTHORIZATIONS (except Marshalling) All Non-Contact participants in SCA Combat-Related Activities (e.g. Scouts, Non-Contact Combat Archers, Banner Bearers, etc.) must be clearly marked with the 'Inter- Kingdom Non-Combatant Symbol': White Diamonds a minimum of 6" on a side, made either with cloth or tape or painted, and clearly visible on the front, back, and sides of the helm. Should the diamonds not be visible against the background of the helm, they should be mounted on a band of clearly contrasting color. It is further suggested that these participants wear the same symbol on their chest and back. Non-Contact participants in SCA Combat-Related Activities may only be authorized by a warranted marshal. This marshal must witness the authorization and must execute the appropriate paperwork to insure that the authorization is registered with the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or appropriate deputy). All combat-related activity authorizations will be conducted using the following criteria: *The Participant must be familiar with the Rules of the List. *The Participant must be aware of and follow any safety or equipment requirements applicable to himself/herself (and to his/her opponent). *The Participant must be instructed how he/she is to be 'killed', how to die safely, and how to report any violations of the rules regarding this. *The Participant must agree to familiarize himself/herself with any applicable conventions in effect in any Kingdom in which he/she participates, or in any inter-Kingdom event. *The Participant must have executed the Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities form prior to entering the authorization area. Minors (14 to 18) may authorize with these additional criteria: *The parents or guardians of the minor must witness SCA combat, discuss how it relates to the participation their child will be involved in with a witnessing marshal, and execute a Parent's Consent for Combat-Related Activities form. *The witnessing marshal must be a warranted marshal. *The Earl Marshal of Atenveldt or the Principality or Kingdom Regional Deputy Marshal should be the one to authorize the minor for SCA Combat-Related Activities. In instances where this is not possible, the Earl Marshal, Principality, or Kingdom Regional Deputy Marshal may designate a representative or deputy to witness the authorization and report on it to the Earl Marshal. *At any event in which the minor is involved in SCA combat-related activities the minor must have either a parent or legal guardian present, or must be in possession of a properly-executed Medical Authorization Form for Minors, designating some adult present at the event as able to authorize medical treatment in the case of an emergency. 3. MARSHAL AUTHORIZATIONS There is an important distinction between Warranted and Authorized Marshals. All Authorized Marshals (who are noted as such on their Authorization Cards) may assist in running a List, overseeing combat, assist and offer opinions on authorizations, controlling crowds, etc.. Warranted Marshals are also Officers of the SCA, Inc.; as such, they must be at least 18 years of age and members of the Society. Only Warranted Marshals may: *Conduct authorizations and handle the necessary paperwork to keep track of same. *Give approval for the use of Armor and Weapons in combat (since this is official acceptance of the suitability of such equipment). *Act as Marshal-in-Charge at an event. Only a warranted marshal may perform a Marshal Authorization; it is recommended that if at all possible the authorizing marshal should be the Earl Marshal himself/herself, the Principality Marshal, or one of the Earl Marshal's designated deputies. This marshal must witness the authorization and must execute the appropriate paperwork to insure that the authorization is registered with the Kingdom Minister of the Lists (or appropriate deputy) and the Earl Marshal (or his deputy). All marshal authorizations will be conducted using the following criteria: *The Marshal must have a good working knowledge of the Rules of the List, and any additional Kingdom Rules and Conventions. *The Marshal must be willing and able to enforce the Rules of the List, and any additional Kingdom Rules and Conventions. *The Marshal must have a good working knowledge of the Society minimum Armor and Weapons standards, and any additional Kingdom Armor and Weapons standards. *The Marshal must be willing and able to enforce the Society minimum Armor and Weapons standards, and any additional Kingdom Armor and Weapons standards. *The Marshal must demonstrate the ability to conduct an inspection of Armor and Weapons for use in combat. *The Marshal must agree to familiarize himself/herself with any applicable Conventions in effect in any Kingdom in which he/she participates, or in any inter-Kingdom event. *The Marshal must demonstrate the ability to conduct an Authorization for Fighters and Non-Combatants. *The Marshal must demonstrate the ability to safely oversee and control a List field, including SCA combat, whether this be single combat, team combat, general melee, or part of a war environment. *The Marshal must execute the Waiver and Informed Consent to Participate in SCA Combat-Related Activities form. RESOLUTION OF GRIEVANCES REPORT SYSTEM This system is operated by the Crown and the Earl Marshal, yet is open to input by anyone; it provides a fair amount of flexibility, backed up with a bureaucracy. It requires that the Earl Marshal take an active role in enforcement and oversight of the Marshalate, yet does not change the traditional prerogatives of the Crown. 1.The Earl Marshal will review the behavior of an individual after receiving at least three unsolicited complaints. 2.The complaints,to be considered valid, may not be anonymous. If the complaints appear to have merit, the Earl Marshal shall present the case to the Crown, and with the Crown's consent, the individual will be put on report for a given period of time, usually 3-6 months. The individual will be told that he is on report. 3.While the individual is on report, no further action will be taken unless additional complaints are received. a.If the individual returns to accepted levels of conduct during the report period, no further action will be taken, and the individual will no longer be on report, and will be given a clean slate from which to be considered in the future. b.If additional complaints are received, and found to have merit in line with the above format, further action will be taken by the Crown and the Earl Marshal (e.g. cancellation of fighting authorization on a strictly temporary basis). This decision may be appealed to the Quarter Court. c.If still further complaints are heard and verified, after a disciplinary action is taken, the case will be referred to the Quarter Court for consideration of further action. MARSHAL'S COURT This court will allow for problems to be settled at those events where it is not possible for the Earl Marshal to be present, though it requires somewhat more attention to paperwork; specifically, that the Crown and the Earl Marshal receive a Court Report along with a tourney report. It also provides for additional flexibility; anyone can bring a Marshalate matter before a Marshal's Court and get an (almost) immediate response. 1.The Marshal's Court shall be composed of the Marshal-in- Charge of an event, who shall be the head of this court and therefore responsible for following through on reporting procedures; other warranted Marshals (one of which shall be chosen by the 'defendant'), and members of the Chivalry (chosen by the Chivalry present). There must be at least three, but no more than seven, members of the court, equally divided between the Marshalate and the Chivalry. For Crown or Coronet Lists, a minimum of seven persons must comprise the Court. 2.In the event that the Marshal-in-Charge has a conflict of interest, he shall select another warranted Marshal to take his place. Should there not be any members of the Chivalry present, or if there should not be any other Marshals present, or if all such members have a conflict of interest, the Marshal-in-Charge (or his replacement) shall select one of the most experienced marshals present as a replacement. 3.The Court reaches a decision by majority vote. 4.The Court may be convened during a break in the fighting, following the fighting, or immediately following a problem/complaint, at the decision of the Marshal-in- Charge. 5.The Court may be convened for consideration of such problems as unchivalrous behavior, use of excessive force, violations of the Rules of the List, use of illegal or uninspected equipment, etc.. It may also be convened to review events leading up to a serious injury, and to examine who, if anyone, was at fault, and, after consultation with a chirurgeon (if possible), decide whether the injured fighter should be allowed to continue. 6.The Marshal's Court has the power to: a.remove a fighter/participant from the Lists for that event; if an individual is removed from the lists, a report will be forwarded, along with a report of the problem, to the Crown and Earl Marshal. b.warn a fighter/participant that the above actions may be taken if the problem continues. c.decide that there was no infraction of the Rules, or that other action needs to be addressed. 7.The head of the Court must see that a Court Report is forwarded to the Crown and Earl Marshal as soon as possible. Any direct action by the Marshal's Court (i.e. removing a fighter/participant from the Lists) shall be reviewed by the Quarter Court (see below). Appeals of any decision of the Marshal's Court--either by the complainant or the defendant--will go to the Quarter Court. Any decisions of the Marshal's Court will stand until reviewed by the Quarter Court. The marshalate should understand that their decisions in a Marshal's Court should not be taken lightly. Their actions, as well as the fighter's, are subject to review. QUARTER COURT 1.The Quarter Court is composed of the Earl Marshal, who shall be the head of this court, three members of the Chivalry who will be selected by their peers to serve on the court for a period of 6-18 months, and three individuals appointed by the Crown at the beginning of the Reign. 2.In the event of a conflict of interests, the Earl Marshal shall be replaced by one of his deputies. 3.The Court reaches a decision by majority vote. 4.This is a standing body that must be convened quarterly, if only to determine that there are no cases before it. It is suggested that the court schedule be determined at the beginning of each year by the Earl Marshal (utilizing major events as convening opportunities) and shall publish them in the Kingdom newsletter. 5.The Court shall handle appeals and review cases handled by either the Marshal's Court or the Report system, as applicable. The Court shall automatically review all cases where a fighter/participant had an authorization temporarily removed, or where there was a serious injury sustained. 6.In dealing with the above, the Court has the power to: a.overturn, augment or otherwise alter any lower court or administrative ruling, given the constraints outlined below. b.clear a fighter/participant from any charges or penalty given by a lower court or administrative fiat. c.bar a fighter/participant from participating in fighting events for a specified length of time. This may include recommending permanently revoking an authorization; however, before such revocation may be done, a Court of Chivalry must be convened. d.recommend that a Court of Inquiry be conducted, to be followed, if necessary, by a Court of Chivalry. 7.The Court may also consider issues (such as interpretations of the Rules, fighting conventions, etc,) brought before it by any member of the Court. This gives representation to the Crown, the Chivalry, and the Marshalate, with the Court functioning as an investigative body (similar to a mundane Grand Jury). In these cases, the Quarter Court may only make a recommendation and remand the decision to the appropriate Society Office/body. 8.The Court must see that minutes of all court proceedings are taken, and passed on to the Crown and the Society Marshal. All decisions of the Quarter Court are considered final, but may be appealed to the Crown, or to a Kingdom Court (i.e. Court of Inquiry, Court of Chivalry), subject to the provisions governing such courts in Corpora and Kingdom Law. Any decision by the Quarter Court shall remain in effect unless reviewed and overturned, augmented, or otherwise altered by the Crown, or a Kingdom Court (Court of Chivalry), a change in Law or by the Board of Directors of the SCA, Inc.. INTERVENTION OF THE CROWN It is understood that the Crown has the right to overturn the decisions reached through the Report System, the Marshal's Court, or the Quarter Court. This is, however, a serious decision, and should not be made lightly. If, however, the Crown chooses to overrule the decision of a duly constituted Marshal's Court, and/or Quarter Court, the Crown assumes responsibility for all subsequent actions related to the decision. This should be made explicit to the Crown before such action is taken. Should the Crown remain firm in its decision to take such action, it should execute a Hold Harmless Agreement form, stating the circumstances of the decision. This should be done in front of the Marshal-in- Charge and two other witnesses. If a decision to remove a fighter due to injury is overruled by the Crown, one of the two witnesses should be the attending chirurgeon. This form and all related materials (minutes of the Court, etc.) should be forwarded to the Earl Marshal or to the Society Marshal as soon as possible. Should the Crown refuse to execute the Hold Harmless Agreement form, the reporting Marshal shall execute the Hold Harmless Agreement form anyway, with witnesses' signatures to affirm that the Crown was requested to execute the form and chose not to. This form, with appropriate notation of the Crown's decision, is to be forwarded to the Earl Marshal immediately. Refusal of the Crown to execute the Agreement may not release the Crown from the responsibility for the consequences arising from Their decision. *end*